21.   Bonds also fell, pushing yields to a seven-week high, on concern that signs of brisk retail sales may signal accelerating inflation.

22.   Bonds dropped amid speculation that a resurgence in economic growth will coincide with accelerating inflation in the second half of the year.

23.   Both effects could prompt the central bank to raise rates to curtail accelerating inflation.

24.   Bond prices rose as economic bulletins were likely to show low risks of accelerating inflation and little prospect for interest rate rises as a result.

25.   A separate report today showed business activity in the New York City area gained momentum in December while the threat of accelerating inflation increased.

26.   A pair of widely watched economic reports suggested the American economy continued to expand without accelerating inflation.

27.   A rate cut would indicate little threat of accelerating inflation, which erodes the value of fixed-income assets, such as bonds.

28.   A weak economy runs less risk of accelerating inflation, which erodes the value of the fixed income on bonds.

29.   A weaker economy reduces the risks of accelerating inflation, which erodes the value of fixed-income securities including bonds.

30.   A weaker labor market could lead to a reduction in consumer spending, which in turn would lessen the threat of accelerating inflation.